Munich Beer Gardens and children

I can only speak to two from personal experience: I found the outdoor beer garden in Viktualienmarkt to be fine with kids. The Hofbrauhaus, on the other hand, was loud, smelly, touristy, and a little rowdy. It might be okay to do a quick walkthrough just to check it off of your list, but I wouldn’t spend much time there with my kids (maybe one quick beer).

The beer gardens in the Englischergarten are similar to any large picnic gathering in the US. Suitable for, and open to, all ages. If they don't want beer (I can't remember if the drinking age in Germany is 16 or 18), non-alcoholic options abound.

I saw lots of children at the Viktualienmarkt, Hirschgarten and Augusteiner beer gardens. Hofbrau house isn't too bad for kids but I would go in the early afternoon. It can get a little crazy in there but you have to check it out!

I second the comment about going to the Hofbräuhaus. It is a bunch of fun, and I have never, personally, witnessed anything that a kid shouldn't see, other than someone having had a bit too much.

I agree with other posts: Hofbrauhaus is a must see, although there may be more Americans there than Germans. It is still fun and just fine for the kids. Augusteiner beer garden was great and full of locals. We still say "Prost" with our nightly beer,we were taught by the locals at Augusteiner, also had some great food there. We were there in 2000. I doubt much has changed. Enjoy!

Depends on the kids. My "kids" were 17 and 21 when we visited Munich. We walked into the Hofbräuhaus and looked around. They found it loud and unpleasant; we left. I was happy not to stay. What would be "too much" depends on one's likes, even with kids.

We visited other drinking places where the "kids" did order a glass of wine or whatever, and enjoyed themselves.

Regards

I think kids are fine at any of the beer gardens. All three of mine have been to the Chinese Tower at age 11. The drink that is a mixture of Fanta and Coke looks like dark beer - while I can't imagine drinking that, my son like it.

At the Hofbrauhaus, one child was intimidated and didn't want to stay and the other sat for 3 hours and loved the food and spectacle. There was nothing terrible going on, but in retrospect, I don't think there were a lot of other 11 year olds there either.

we went to Hofbrauhaus last week with our 15 year old daughter at dinner time ( 6pm) great experience- other "kids" there. It was a fun experience for all of us!

In theory, all beer gardens are kid friendly. Hofbrauhaus is a touristy place and not my favorite choice. In practice, the outdoor ones are more likely to be enjoyed by your kids and likely to have local kids there too. If the weather is good the beer garden in the English Garden is great (except you may pass nude sunbathers there).

We thoroughly enjoyed the English Garden and the Beer Garden had little kids playing around with the family pets. It's not like a beer joint here in the USA. It's a family type atmosphere with an oom-pah band beer, soft drinks, juice, pretzels, doughnuts, all kinds of good food. Have fun...WITH your kids.

The Fanta and Coke mix is called "Spezi". You can even buy it at the store in bottles, name brand "mezzo mix". There is also what is called "kinder bier" and it is simply a malt drink, and not to be confused with alcohol free beer. Only kids drink this usually.

What is the drinking age in Germany anyways? Have a 16 year old who is wondering?

I assume in the indoors beer halls that smoking is a problem in which case an outdoor version would not leave you coughing?

Be sure and hit the Hirschgarten. It is the world's largest restaurant and beer garden with over 8,000 tables, most outside. The beer is, of course, outstanding and the food is very kid friendly. Pretzels as big as your face.

Legal drinking age is 16.

Unless things have changed recently, indoor places are likely to be noticeably smoky. Everyone seems to be outlawing smoking now, so maybe that isn't the case anymore.

The German drinking age is 18 for beverages containing "distilled spirits" (Branntwein).

For other alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer and wine) it's 16, or under with the consent of an accompanying legal guardian (as I suppose is the case with Paul and his 16 y/o).
C.f JuSchG §9

It should be noted that this isn't a "legal age" as in the US: the minor never commits an offence, only the "enabler", i.e. the person giving the beverage to the minor.

Likewise the proprietor of any public establishment commits an infraction if he allows minors to smoke on his premises.
C.f JuSchG §10

Bavaria banned indoor smoking in indoor restaurant and pubs after January 1, 2008 (Bavarian GSG §3(1))

Actually the smokiest place to sit now is at the outdoor tables. Inside tables are smoke free in many areas.

When is the best time to show up at specific tent and are tickets sold at the door or in advance.

When is the best time to show up at specific tent and are tickets sold at the door or in advance.